The Best Thread for Your Upholstery Project: A little bit about choosing the right thread for your next project

The Best Thread for Your Upholstery Project: A little bit about choosing the right thread for your next project

Upholstery is a great way to give new life to an old piece of furniture, but it can be tricky! There are a lot of different types of threads out there, and it can be hard to know which one is best for your project. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of threads and help you choose the right one for your next upholstery project!

When selecting a thread, it is important to know what type of material you will be sewing. Different types of thread work better on different types of fabrics. For example, a cotton thread is best for sewing natural fibers like cotton or linen.

Another thing to consider when selecting a thread is the weight of the thread. Thread weight is measured in many ways and it depends on the supplier as to what the numbering system is used. However, most suppliers use a number and winding or ply indicator together like #69/3. The first number (69 in this case) refers to the thickness of the thread and the second number (3 in this case) refers to the ply or individual threads that are wound together to provide the finished diameter. In most cases the higher the number, the thicker and heavier the thread.

Thread weight is important as it affects the overall look and feel of your project. A heavy thread will make a bold statement, while a lightweight thread will give you a more delicate finish. When selecting a thread for upholstery, it is best to choose one that is specifically designed for upholstery projects. These threads are made with extra strength and durability characteristics that you will not be able to source at one of the big box stores.

Each type of thread has unique benefits and drawbacks, so let's take a closer look at each one! For upholstery projects, you will typically be using one of three types of thread:

Cotton, Nylon, or Polyester

Cotton Thread: Cotton thread is made from natural fibers and is available in a variety of weights. It is perfect for sewing natural fabrics like cotton or linen, as it creates a soft and delicate finish.

Nylon Thread: Nylon thread is a synthetic fiber and is available in both heavyweight and lightweight versions. It is perfect for sewing leather, as it offers unique tensile strength and abrasion qualities not offered by other types of thread.

Polyester Thread: Polyester thread is a synthetic fiber that is available in a variety of weights. It is perfect for vinyl and pleather materials as the tactility of the thread works well on synthetic materials and offers high UV-resistant characteristics.

Finding a thread is also dependent on what type of sewing machine you are using for your project. Most machines are designed to work with a certain type of thread, so it is important that you use the correct one. So, before heading to the store to buy your thread, take a look at your machine and see what type of thread is recommended! You may need to find a supplier that sells threads specific to industrial equipment, but if you have a juki or elna, most thread shops in town will sell what you are looking for. If nothing else, a Google search will most likely provide a product that meets your specific use case.

Now that you know a bit about threads and use cases, it's time to choose the color!

While our primary role is not sales, many suppliers can provide expert advice regarding the specifics of their threads. At Anna's Alterations Restorations & Upholstery we will help you choose a color that works best. Please let us know if you have a project and don't feel up to the task or have the equipment to sew your next project.

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